Lakers Eclipse the Suns in Game 6 of Western Conference Finals

The Phoenix Suns came into Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals knowing their season was on the line. After losing game 5 in heartbreaking fashion, the Suns had to regroup and head to Phoenix to defend their home court. Suns' point-guard Steve Nash all but guaranteed that there would be a game 7. Who could blame Nash for making such a statement though? The Suns were 32-9 during the regular season and they had won 14 of their last 15 games at home, including the post-season. Now it would be up to the rest of his teammates to help him back up his bold prediction.

Similar to game 5, the Lakers outplayed the Suns in the first half and lead by 9 and increased that bulge to 91-74 after three periods. As was the case in game 5, the Phoenix Suns would again rally and pull within five points of the Lakers 99-94. However, just when it looked like the Suns were going to overtake the Lakers, Kobe Bryant took over hitting several key jumpers in the closing minutes of the game to keep Phoenix at arms length and help the Lakers defeat the Suns in six games and earn a return trip to the NBA Finals; the first team to make three consecutive trips to the Finals since the Lakers did it in 2000 through 2002. This will be the franchise's 31^st trip to the Finals; most of any team in the history of the league.

Kobe Bryant would add to his playoff resume with another 30 point performance; the tenth time he has accomplished the feat in the last 11 games. Bryant has also passed Magic Johnson for most games played as a Laker player in the post-season. The Lakers will face off against an all-too familiar foe in the Boston Celtics. These same two teams met in the 2008 Finals in which the Celtics defeated the Lakers in six games. The Celtics had home court advantage two seasons ago and now the Lakers have the home-court advantage as one of the greatest rivalries in basketball will be renewed. This promises to be another thrilling series between these two teams.

Source:

ESPN Sportscenter

TNT Sports